Help for Patients and Caregivers

Vascular Disease

What is Vascular Disease?

The vascular system is the network of blood vessels that circulate blood
to and from the heart and lungs. Vascular diseases are very common, especially
as people age. Many people have these diseases and don’t know it,
because they rarely cause symptoms in the early stages. People with risk
factors or any signs or symptoms of vascular disease, should be evaluated
by a physician. Untreated vascular disease can lead to serious health
problems, such as tissue death and gangrene requiring amputation or other
surgery; chronic disability and pain; and weakened blood vessels that
may rupture without warning. Deadly complications can result, including
stroke (a clogged or narrowed blood vessel cuts the supply of blood to
the brain), and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot breaks loose and travels
to the heart and lungs).